A Cathedral Christmas

Christmas is only a few days away! Can you believe it? At this time of year, it’s always wonderful to see how people prepare for the season: Christmas lights and nativity scenes have gone up; elaborately decorated Christmas trees are everywhere; and seasonal events like the Knights of Columbus Carol Festival, the Festival of Trees and the Enchanted Forest (our neighbour!) are taking place (or have taken place) around the city. Here at the Cathedral, our Advent decorations are all around, but of course Christmas decorations will be taking over soon.

As a staff, we’ve had a kind of extended Advent season as our Christmas preparations have been going on for months now and we are all very excited to be so close to the date. As our blog this week, we wanted to share with you a little about our favourites at Christmas time, how we prepare and how we celebrate the birth of Christ.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

Fr. Ephraim – Miracle on 34th StreetFr. Deyre – ElfCatherine – Annabelle’s WishAndy – Star Wars (it’s always time for Star Wars)Garth – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with Jim Carrey) or The Nativity StoryLinda – It’s A Charlie Brown ChristmasJim – I like the old movies on TCM, like Stop Around the Corner, The Bishop’s Wife or White ChristmasCeleste – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with Jim Carrey) – I watch it with my brother most yearsDavid – The Star

Andy – Bailey’s Irish Cream for breakfast!Cat – Sitting in a circle as a family and watching one by one the thoughtful gifts we got one anotherJim – Getting together with family is greatLinda – Getting together as a family to enjoy the 12 meatless dishesDavid – Gathering as a familyGarth – Family Christmas sing-a-longsCeleste – Christmas Baking – it’s the only time of year I use cookie cutters (and I definitely use them all, including the dinosaur cutters!)Fr. Deyre – Simbang Gabi or Night MassFr. Ephraim – Attending Christmas Concerts

What is your favourite part of Christmas Mass?

Cat – The anticipation of Christmas finally beginningFr. Ephraim – The Christmas CarolsLinda – All the hymnsCeleste – Doing music with my family at all the different MassesFr. Deyre – the whole of Midnight Mass – the Angels’ Mass is my favouriteAndy – Watching my kids going to check out the baby Jesus in the nativity sceneDavid – The musicJim – The quieter nature of Midnight MassGarth – The Christmas Hymns

From all the staff at the Cathedral, we wish you and your families a peaceful and very Merry Christmas! May God bless you with joy and love, now and always.